Ava Tunney

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce hosted a private boardroom briefing at PwC’s Sydney office regarding Canada and Australia’s unique challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. This discussion featured international guest speaker Rick Christiaanse, Chief Executive Officer from the Invest Alberta Corporation. Welcome remarks were presented my Mike McGrath, President of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Partner of Global Advisory at PwC. The discussion was moderated by Jon Chadwick, the Global Energy Transition Lead at PwC. Other guests included Jack Cowin, Patron of the CACC and Chairman of Competitive Foods as well as Mark Schaan, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Artificial Intelligence - Privy Council Office. PICTURED (left to right): Mike McGrath (Managing Partner, Global Advisory Finance & Investments Leader - PwC), Jack Cowin (Patron - CACC), Jon Chadwick (Global Energy Transition Lead - PwC), Melissa Wharton (CEO - CACC), Mark Schaan (Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Artificial Intelligence - Privy Council Office) and Rick Christiaanse (CEO - Invest Alberta Corporation) This event focused on key themes such as harnessing data to enhance energy security, leveraging renewable resources and ensuring a secure energy transition in the face of climate change. Trusted advisors from both countries discussed collaborative strategies, shared technological advancements, and explored policy frameworks essential for achieving a resilient and green energy future. FEATURED PICTURE (left to right): Andrew Lorking (Senior Regional Manager, APAC - Export Development Canada), Mike McGrath (Managing Partner, Global Advisory Finance & Investments Leader - PwC), Mark Schaan (Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Artificial Intelligence - Privy Council Office) By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, this discussion aimed to strengthen the energy partnership between Canada and Australia. We hope that the insights shared will serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation, driving innovation and investment in sustainable energy solutions. PICTURED (left...

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a private boardroom briefing at KPMG’s Sydney office, that focused on strengthening economic ties between Canada and Australia and navigating institutional investment opportunities. The event featured Paul Thoppil, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative from Global Affairs Canada, as the keynote guest speaker. Welcome remarks were provided by CACC President, Mike McGrath. The discussion was hosted by Minh Dao, Partner and Deputy Lead of KPMG Australia’s National Deals Tax Practice and a member of the KPMG Australia board, while Mike Pyke, Executive Director and Co-Head of Equity Advisory for Australia and New Zealand at JLL, served as the moderator. FEATURED PICTURE (left to right): Melissa Wharton (CEO - Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce), Minh Dao (Partner and Deputy Lead, National Deals Tax - KMPG Australia), Paul Thoppil (Canada's Indo-Pacific Trade Representative - Global Affairs Canada), Mike McGrath (President - Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce) and Mike Pyke (Executive Director and Co-Head of Equity Advisory for Australia and New Zealand - JLL) A key focus of the discussion was the significant influence of Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds on global investment. These institutional investors play a crucial role in shaping international trade and capital flows between the two nations. As of 2023, Canada’s portfolio investment in Australia exceeded CA$58 billion, while Australian investments in Canada totaled approximately CA$27 billion across direct and portfolio investments. This dynamic exchange is driven by the two countries’ complementary resources, stable economic foundations, and long-term investment potential. Institutional investors are leveraging their vast resources to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, and energy—key pillars of Australia’s economic landscape. Canada’s pension funds recognise Australia’s steady economic growth, well-regulated markets, and thriving innovation sectors, strategically allocating capital to maximize returns while fulfilling their long-term mandates. Meanwhile, Australian...

In February, over 220 Canadian exporters flew Down Under to take part in the Team Canada Trade Mission. The mission was hosted by the Honourable Mary Ng, the Canadian Minister of International Trade. This unique event took place over several days in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where over 140 organizations were represented, making this the largest ever trade mission in Australia. FEATURED PICTURE: Lesley Gillespie OAM, CACC Director and Treasurer / Co-Founder, Bakers Delight PICTURED: The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada Our exporters showcased their expertise in a variety of industries, including: Agri-food and agricultural technologies Clean technologies and clean energy Mining equipment technology and services Digital infrastructure and smart cities The goal? To support Canadian exporters and innovators in the Australian market. With global trade evolving, diversification matters more than ever. Currently, Canada is on track to exceed our target of increasing non-U.S exports by 50%. As Canada and Australia share the same values for rules-based trade and sustainable growth, the two countries make ideal trading partners. PICTURED: Consul General of Canada, Sydney - Sarah Quigley and the High Commissioner for Canada to Australia - Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday Since the implementation of the CPTPP in 2018, there has been a 9% bilateral trade growth between Australia and Canada. With Canadian investment in Australia exceeding $60B. Australia also represents Canada's #1 investment destination in the Indo-Pacific region. The 2025 Team Canada Trade Mission was a testament to the deep economic and cultural ties between Canada and Australia. By fostering collaboration in key industries, advancing trade diversification, this mission laid the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity. As both nations continue to champion sustainable growth, innovation and inclusive trade, the relationships built during this mission will undoubtedly open new doors for...